There’s no denying that the Philippines is a basketball- and boxing-obsessed country, with icons and teams that have long dominated the national imagination. But in recent years, other sports have begun to carve out their own space. Football has steadily gained ground, thanks in part to the Azkals, while tennis has found a new hero in Alex Eala. Still, for many young Filipinos, access to training and global exposure in these fields remains limited, especially at the grassroots level.

So imagine how life changing it could be for a young athlete to not only travel abroad, but to witness world class football up close and meet one of the sport’s rising stars.

That is exactly what happened to 11 year old Sam Suguran. Through the support of GoTyme Bank, Sam was given the rare opportunity to travel to Spain, immerse himself in football culture, and experience the game beyond what he had only seen on screens. In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Sam shared how a simple curiosity turned into a journey that would reshape his dreams.

“Going to Spain was amazing,” he said. “It was truly a life changing experience for me.”

Sam’s story began not on a professional pitch, but with a moment of curiosity. At eight years old, he discovered football through videos online and asked his mother if he could try it as a birthday gift. What followed was a deep and immediate connection to the sport.

“Once I tried it, I fell in love with the game,” he shared. “The teamwork, skill, and challenge made it so exciting.”

Today, Sam is a Grade 5 student at Imus Pilot Elementary School in Cavite, where he balances academics and athletics with equal dedication. He is part of his school’s varsity team and trains almost daily through multiple programs, including Aksyon Atleta, Imus Football Academy, Arayat Athletic Academy, and Villarreal Philippines. His routine is a mix of drills, tactical training, and self practice, often complemented by watching professional matches to learn new techniques.

Behind this discipline is a strong support system. Sam credits his parents, especially his mother, for helping him pursue his passion. “She even learned to drive just for me,” he said. “She takes me to training, cheers me on at my games, and always encourages me to do my best.”

For GoTyme Bank, Sam represents exactly the kind of young athlete they hope to uplift. According to Angeline Angeles, GoTyme's marketing director, Sam was selected through a rigorous process that looked beyond athletic ability.

“What truly set Sam apart was his spirit story,” Angeline told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle during the launch of GoTyme’s limited-edition, FIFA World Cup 2026-inspired cards last March 18, 2026, at Whitespace, Makati. “His journey into football began with pure curiosity and initiative, discovering the sport on his own and actively seeking ways to pursue it.”

Nate added that Sam’s commitment stood out early on. “From traveling long distances for training to showing up early just to practice on his own, Sam embodies grit and dedication at such a young age.”

The initiative is part of GoTyme’s broader effort to support grassroots sports development in the Philippines. By partnering with local academies and community programs, the bank aims to identify and nurture talent early, focusing not just on skill, but also on values and potential.

“Our mission has always been to unlock the full potential of Filipinos, not just in banking, but in life,” she said. “Supporting Sam’s experience in Spain is a natural extension of that vision.”

In Spain, Sam’s itinerary read like a dream for any football fan. He visited iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, explored Barcelona Beach, and stayed at the Grand Hotel Central. But it was the football experiences that left the deepest mark.

He toured Camp Nou, explored the Barça Museum, and watched a live UEFA Champions League match between Barcelona and Copenhagen. He also trained at DAM Stadium, where he was introduced to professional-level methods.

“The absolute best part was meeting Lamine Yamal,” Sam shared, referring to one of football’s brightest young stars. “The whole trip was super inspiring and taught me a lot about hard work and dedication.”

The lessons extended beyond the field. During his interactions with professional players, Sam received advice that he now carries with him in every training session.

“They told me that being consistent and disciplined is really important,” he said. “Practice even when no one is watching and always try to get better.”

For Angeline, these moments are precisely the goal of the program. “We believe in supporting athletes early, long before they reach the spotlight, because that is where real potential is shaped,” he said.

As for what comes next, GoTyme continues to invest in grassroots initiatives, including nationwide clinics that aim to provide young athletes like Sam with sustained support, training, and exposure.

For Sam, the journey is only beginning. One day, he dreams of being part of the national team while remaining grounded in the values his parents have instilled in him: humility, hard work, and respect. He also keeps one eye on life beyond football, with dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon someday.